However, the Habs general manager did try to trade his defenseman and as reported by Marco Normandin of Habsolumentfan, a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers was reportedly aborted in recent weeks.
According to Sportsnet's Eric Engels, the Flyers were willing to send forward James Van Riemsdyk and a prospect to the Habs in return for No. 26, as well as a portion of his salary.
That would have been interesting!
Still according to Engels, this transaction could be discussed again during the off-season but it will require that Petry lift his no-trade clause, he who has the Flyers in his list of 15 teams where he does not want to be traded. He also mentions that the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars could be interested in acquiring him this off-season.
As we know, the Canadiens' defenseman had asked for a trade last November, while Marc Bergevin was still in office.
At this point, it is unknown who Kent Hughes might be targeting in a potential deal with the Flyers. As for the possibility of Van Riemsdyk coming to Montreal, I'm not against the idea of bringing some depth to the offense, but honestly, a trade involving him and Jeff Petry looks more like a possible deal between the two general managers to exchange problematic contracts.
The Flyers' American forward has one more year left on his contract at $7 million, while in Petry's case it's $6.25 million on average per year through 2024-2025.
Petry versus Van Riemsdyk, would you do it?
POLL | ||
James Van Riemsdyk + picks for Jeff Petry, would you do it? | ||
Yes | 264 | 51.7 % |
No | 247 | 48.3 % |
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